Fasting on the water is a therapeutic technique in which a person does not eat food and drinks only water.

It is believed that such fasting contributes to rapid weight loss, but how safe is it for the body in the long term?.

Many people start fasting on the water to lose weight, for spiritual or religious reasons, to fight certain diseases. Existing throughout human history, fasting these days have become a popular practice of various naturopathic health schools, along with meditation and yoga.

The recommended duration of fasting on the water varies, but doctors do not advise refraining from eating more than 3 days. Experts argue that fasting requires proper preparation and moderation so as not to undermine one's health.

What is the benefit of starvation on the water?.

People with a predisposition to certain diseases can resort to starvation with a preventive purpose. Among them: ischemic heart disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type II diabetes, overweight. These diseases are often interrelated. When the body does not have access to carbohydrates, which is the preferred source of energy, it begins to utilize fat deposits. Losing weight helps normalize blood lipids and other indicators.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the best way to lose weight is to slowly, gradually introduce a healthy diet in conjunction with exercise.

Healthy nutrition, American experts call the minimum of refined carbohydrates and fast food, along with increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

But the keywords in recommendations AND - "slowly" and "gradually".

Is it safe to starve?.

Despite the potential benefits of starvation on the water, the sudden cessation of nutrient intake is bad for many functions of the body. A sharp or prolonged fasting, especially for weakened people, can end sadly.

If a person has health problems and is going to fast for more than 24 hours, you should consult a doctor for advice. "Fasting" must be supervised!.

Who categorically is not allowed to starve:.

• Aged people.

• Pregnant and lactating.

• Persons with underweight.

• Children and adolescents What does science say?.

An alternative to a debilitating post may be periodic starvation.

This method assumes that you live on the usual menu 5 days a week, reducing the daily ration to a quarter for the next 2 days. It is the ratio of 5: 2 that most experts consider optimal for periodic fasting.

A study comparing periodic fasting with a constant low-calorie diet demonstrated equal opportunities for disease prevention and weight loss. Scientists explain that both nutrition plans reduce the likelihood of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity.

Recent studies in mice and rats suggest that fasting can slow the aging of the body and prolong the biological life of mammals.

medbe. en.